But who ensures we have a workforce equipped with the skills to deliver the things that make such a difference to our everyday lives?

The answer is Lantra Sector Skills Council, working together with employers, training providers, government agencies and trade associations and unions in the environmental and land-based industries.

Through consultation Lantra establishes the responsibilities needed to carry out the jobs within the 17 industries in its sector. Lantra then works with partners to develop courses and training that will develop the skills required, and set the standards necessary to attain qualifications or show competence.

A qualified workforce brings benefits to all:

• Workers feel valued, confident in their work and motivated
• Businesses enjoy better staff retention, greater efficiency and boosted profits
• And the country shares in this success through greater job security and a healthier economy.

Plus a higher skilled workforce is more able to compete in today’s challenging global markets.

Without our industries who knows what life would be like in the UK?

This summer Lantra has planned a number of events to raise the profile of the environmental and land-based sector. The aim being to raise awareness of the importance of the sector to the UK and highlight some of the key skills issues Lantra is working with industry to address. As well as attract potential new entrants. Career information is available from Lantra's website www.afuturein.com.

The campaign which began in Victoria Tower Gardens, London (11 June), was followed by three ‘experiential' events in Leeds (13 June),  Birmingham (27 June) and Manchester (11 July).